The goal of this course is to help students think about how key debates within criminological theory and research can help inform research design. We review some of the major approaches to the study of crime and justice, and students will attain a comprehensive grasp of the main philosophical, historical and methodological debates within the discipline. A key element of the course will involve considering the epistemologies that underpin knowledge creation using different methodologies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- identify and synthesise relevant theoretical and empirical literature in a chosen area of research;
- examine and critique the key methodological issues in criminological research;
- develop an informed argument about methodological approaches in criminological research;
- communicate arguments about theory and research to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
- critically evaluate the contemporary debates around methodologies in criminological research.
Other Information
The research essay can be adapted to contribute to portions of the students Honours Thesis (THES4103).
Indicative Assessment
- Participation in seminar discussions (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Written reflection on methodology (1400 words) (30) [LO 2,3,5]
- Research essay encompassing relevant theory, research, and methodology (6000 words) (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 18 hours of lectures and 18 hours of seminars and workshops.
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Crotty, Michael. The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process. Sage, 1998.
Preliminary Reading
Snipes, J. B., Bernard, T. J., & Gerould, A. L. (2016). Vold’s criminological theory. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Braithwaite, J. (1989). Crime, shame and reintegration. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.
Booth, W. C., Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., Colomb, G. G., Williams, J. M., & Williams, J. M. (2003). The craft of research. University of Chicago press.
Becker, H. S. (2008). Writing for social scientists: How to start and finish your thesis, book, or article. University of Chicago Press.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.